Switzerland and Spain almost clinched their places at the 2026 World Cup, but Denmark missed the chance to do the same in Copenhagen.
Switzerland are almost certain of a place in the 2026 World Cup finals after beating Sweden, who now face the play-offs after a dreadful start for new boss Graham Potter.
It looked like Potter’s arrival as coach could spark a Swedish revival when Benjamin Nygren equalized after Breel Embolo’s opener.
But Granit Xhaka’s penalty gave Switzerland the lead again, before Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi saved the points.
Switzerland validates its ticket
Switzerland is three points ahead of Kosovo, who it faces on Tuesday, in Group I, with a much greater goal difference.
Kosovo’s 2-0 victory in Slovenia secured their place in the play-offs. Sweden, who have just one point from five qualifying matches, will enter the play-offs based on their UEFA Nations League ranking.
Based on this evidence, former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss Potter has a lot of work to do to ensure they are ready to qualify the hard way.
European champions Spain essentially sealed Group E and their place in the final with a 4-0 victory over Georgia, but Denmark missed the chance to do the same as they failed to take advantage of Scotland’s 3-2 defeat to Greece.
Brian Riemer’s men were held to a 2-2 draw by Belarus and now travel to Hampden Park still needing a point against Scotland to qualify. A victory for Scotland would see them qualify for the final for the first time since 1998.
Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also set to face each other in a win-win match in Group H.
A double from Marko Arnautovic gave Austria a 2-0 victory in Cyprus, while Bosnia came from behind to beat 10-man Romania 3-1 to remain two points behind heading into the match in Vienna. Romania are heading to the play-offs due to their ranking in the Nations League.
Hans Vanaken spared Belgium’s blushes as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan. Dastan Satpayev gave the hosts a surprise lead before Vanaken equalized three minutes into the second half. Kazakhstan had Islam Chesnokov sent off with 11 minutes remaining.
Belgium will win Group J and qualify if they beat Liechtenstein on Tuesday. A resounding defeat would give Wales, who beat Liechtenstein 1-0, and North Macedonia the opportunity to leapfrog them. Wales and North Macedonia are already assured of a play-off place ahead of their match in Cardiff.
